Learn to Lead, Lead to Learn

Learn to Lead, Lead to Learn is based on the assumption that learning is essential to our ability to adapt and innovate as individuals and organizations. For our schools and organizations to thrive, our leaders must be, first and foremost, voracious learners who create, nurture and sustain conditions that enhance learning individually and collectively.The purpose of this book is to help uncover some of the essential attributes and practices key to learning and leading. Eight leadership growth attributes are highlighted, that when developed and reinforced through iterative practice, enhance learning and the capacity to adapt and transform. The leader attributes include: aspiration, agility, curiosity, intellectual humility, courage, rebelliousness, enthusiasm and a driving spirit. The leader must also ensure that the organization is equipped to continually learn and grow. Related to each personal attribute there is a similar organizational growth attribute that when effectively integrated can enhance organizational learning and the capacity of the organization to adapt and innovate. The eight organizational attributes include: purpose, imagination, exploration, diversity, organizational justice, disruption, urgency and bold moves.

It is imperative that any leader in charge of a learning organization, be a learner themselves. A leader’s capacity for learning will ultimately impact the performance of that leader and the success of their organization. Unfortunately, merely knowing that we should be learners and actively being a dedicated learner are two different things. If you are focused on making learning central to your leadership, then this book is for you. Herrmann artfully combines individual and organizational leadership attributes, stories from successful leaders, and reflective questions in every chapter making this book a great read for astute practitioners. Treat yourself to this important read as you travel your leadership journey., No matter where we are in our career, we are all works in process. The key to successfully leading a thriving school or organization lies in a learning mindset. Truly great leaders have made the shift from being “all knowing” to a “lead learner”, embracing the messiness and vulnerability that comes along with this shift. Herrmann expertly ties together research-based learning and leadership theory with practical advice and wisdom from seasoned superintendents to identify the essential attributes and practices that enhance learning and the capacity for both organizations and leaders to adapt and transform., The thought-provoking message of Learn to Lead; Lead to Learn resonated with me as a superintendent ---continuous learning is integral to a leader’s impact. This book encourages leaders in every capacity to be brave enough to challenge the status quo and lead with curiosity. It is incredible to think about the possibilities for change if every leader focused on their personal leading and continuous growth. Herrmann reminds leaders that demonstrating vulnerability and not being the one with all the answers actually builds the capacity of others. We owe it to our students to be bold and act with urgency so our schools can evolve. Interviews with effective leaders embedded throughout the book brought to life the learning mindset and caused me to reflect on my personal leadership as a superintendent and how I could set a tone of leading by learning.

Mary B. Herrmann, Ph.D. is a clinical associate professor in the Education Policy, Organization and Leadership Department at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Herrmann has had extensive leadership experience, including serving as a superintendent in multiple school districts and as an elected Village trustee.